Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is John 3:14-15

John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

God delivered the Israelites from cruel bondage and suffering in Egypt, but as soon as they were out of Egypt, in their hearts they returned there again. Time and again, Moses had to intercede for them because of their faithlessness and rebellion against God.

“And the people spoke against God, and against Moses, why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” Numbers 21:5 Because of their rebellion and disobedience, God allowed poisonous serpents to come into the camp of Israel. Many were bitten and died.

“Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against you; pray unto the LORD, that He take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, make you a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looks upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of bronze, he lived.” Numbers 21:7-9

In many ways we are like the Israelites who, having been delivered from sin, continue to return there in our hearts. It is sin that is the destroyer of life and the poison of sin brings the sentence of death. There was only one remedy in the days of Moses, and there is only one remedy today. The bronze serpent that was hung on a pole provided the people grace to exercise faith and obedience. Those who believed the word of Moses and obeyed his instructions to go to the pole and look upon the bronze serpent would live. Those whose hearts were hardened and refused to go and look would die.

Jesus Christ is the remedy for the penalty of sin today. All have sinned, but those who hear the word of God, and in faith come to Jesus, receive eternal life instead of eternal death. Even though we have sinned, through Christ, we are freed from the penalty of sin. God extended His grace to Israel; God’s grace is still extended to the world today. Everyone is invited and welcomed to come to Christ Jesus and live.

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim